Psychology  Early artificial pancreas trials show benefits for kids, teenagers with diabetes overnight(Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International) In a landmark study in children and teenagers with type 1 diabetes, JDRF-funded researchers at the University of Cambridge showed that using a first-generation artificial pancreas system overnight can lower the risk of low blood sugar emergencies while sleeping, and at the same time improve diabetes control. |
Genetics  Inhibiting serotonin in gut could cure osteoporosis(Columbia University Medical Center) An investigational drug that inhibits serotonin in the gut, administered orally once daily, effectively cured osteoporosis in mice and rats, reports a new paper in Nature Medicine. Serotonin in the gut has been shown in recent research to stall bone formation. The finding could lead to new therapies that build new bone; most osteoporosis drugs only prevent the breakdown of old bone. |
Biology  A potent suppressor of endometrial cancer is revealed(The Company of Biologists) Treatment of endometrial cancer has not advanced significantly in 30 years and there are no screening tests to promote early detection. Researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and Harvard Medical School developed a new approach to specifically target genetic changes to the endometrial cells in mice. Using this new technique, they show that loss of an emerging tumor suppressor causes abnormal growth and widespread malignancy of cells lining the uterus. |
Evolution  Morality research sheds light on the origins of religion(Cell Press) The details surrounding the emergence and evolution of religion have not been clearly established and remain a source of much debate among scholars. Now, an article published by Cell Press in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences on Feb. 8 brings a new understanding to this long-standing discussion by exploring the fascinating link between morality and religion. |
Stars  Antiretroviral therapy associated with increase in pregnancy in sub-Saharan Africa(Public Library of Science) In PLoS Medicine this week a study conducted in a multi-country HIV treatment program in sub-Saharan Africa has found that pregnancy rates increase in HIV-infected women after they start antiretroviral therapy. |
